Monument record MDO28148 - Oyster shell midden, Shipwright's Arms, Hamworthy, Poole

A borehole through the foundations of the Shipwright's Arms, Hamworthy in about 1983, revealed an oyster midden 3.4 m thick. This was dated to the 10th - 11th century by radiocarbon dating. Study of the oysters revealed knife marks and other indications that it was a deliberate dump of processed oyster shells rather than a natural accumulation of shells.

A borehole through the foundations of the Shipwright's Arms, Hamworthy in about 1983, revealed an oyster midden 3.4 m thick. This was dated to the 10th - 11th century by radiocarbon dating. Study of the oysters revealed knife marks and other indications, such as the lack of immature oysters, that it was a deliberate dump of processed oyster shells rather than a natural accumulation of shells. (1)

The top of the midden was about one metre below ground level. It is probably part of the same midden found at the nearby Sunseeker's Boatyard site. (2)

<1> Horsey, I P, ed K Jarvis, 1992, Excavations in Poole 1973-1983, 60-61, 194-200 (Monograph). SWX3766.

<2> Watkins, D R, 1995, Archaeological Observations at: Sunseeker's Boatyard, New Quay Road, Hamworthy, Poole (Unpublished document). SWX8657.

Record last edited

Jan 17 2013 10:53AM